Radio antenna



R. J. SCOTT RADIO ANTENNA July 4, 1950 Filed May 28, 1945 Patented July4, 1950 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 2,514,167 Ramo ANTENNA ApplicationMay 28, 1945, Serial No. 596,127

1 Claim.

This invention relates to improvements in antennae, such as used for thetransmission land/or reception of radiant energy, intelligence, etc.,from and by radio transmitting and receiving apparatuses, particularlymobile types yof radio transmitting and/ or receivingsets as provided toautomobiles, though adaptable to substantially all forms of land, marineand, in `some instances, airborne vehicles.

An object of the invention is to provide a radio antenna of thetelescopic lcollapsible type, which primarily, consists of a mast madeup of an assembly of telescopically interengaged sections so constructedand relatively'arranged Aas to afford materially improved `electricalcharacteristics, similarly improved over-all mechanical construction,with coincidental features of rugged durability, solidity ofconstruction and assembly stability of and between its movable parts,and proofing of the same against the deteriorating actions or effects ofclimatic conditions and/or elements.

It is also an important object of the invention to provide an antennamast oi the indicated character, wherein the telescopic mast sections ormembers will have portions thereof so frictionally interengaged as topositively `ensure their collective and/or individual firm, thoughmovable retention, in telescopically collapsed, distended or partiallydistended positions or relationships.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide the antenna mastsections or members with novel means which will effectually function tomaintain firm, positive frictional, and movable and wiping electricalcontact, therebetween, hence, preventing relative play, rattling orother vibratory movement between said mast members, and also,maintaining constantpositive electrical connection therebetween withresultant sustained and dependable operational efficiencies.

The invention also aims to provide a radio antenna of the collapsiblemast type, wherein connection between the sections or members thereof isso effected and kept as to prevent the passage of moisture thereby intothe receiving member or members, and so, prevent corroding, rusting andother deterioration of the housed portions when they are intelescopically collapsed, distended or partially distended rela-vtivity.

Heretofore, in the production of telescopic mast types of radioantennae, I am aware that consideration has been given to providing thesections thereof with frictional and other forms of means for effectingmovable mechanical and electrical interconnection 'therebetween.` Suchproducts have, however, not proven satisfactory because of, amongstother reasons, ineffectual mechanical holding or retention of th'e mast'sections in telescopicallycollapsed, distended or partially distendedrelationships; the entrancer of moisture between and into the tubularsections lof the mast, thereby corroding, rusting or otherwise effectingparts ldeterioration of the un-y protected or untreated mast sectionswhen ex'-V posed to the elements, and detrimental and "objectionablerattling or other vibratory motion between the mast sections,irrespective of their' relative positioning, all of which 'arecontributory to faulty electrical conductivity of the antenna.

The noted difficulties, as well as others, are eliminated by and throughthe use of my improved antenna.

Other objects of the invention will bein part obvious and in partpointed out hereinafter.

In order that the invention and its mode of operation may be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art to which it appertains, I have inthe accompanying drawings and in the de-r tailed following descriptionbased thereupon, set

innermost tubular` member of the antenna mast;` showing its connectionwith the mast rod section.

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 3,looking in the direction 'in which the arrows point. f

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal section,illustrating the connection between the normally outer end of theoutermost tubular member of the antenna mast andA inner member thereof.

Figure 6 is a transverse section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 5,looking in the direction inwl which the arrows point.

Figure '7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in longitudinal section,illustrating the mounting of spring contact members upon the normallyinner end of the innermost of the tubular mast section members and theengagement of such means with the inner surface of the outermost of saidtubular mast member.

Figure 8 is a transverse section taken on the line 8 8 of Figure 7,looking in the direction in which the arrows point, and

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary detail in elevation showing themanner in which the normally inner end of the antenna mast rod isformed.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, the antenna mastcomprises a tubular main member I, a tubular secondary member 2 and arod 3, capped or ended with a spherical element 4. The respectivediameters of the members I and 2 are such that the former slidablyreceives the latter therein, while the diameter of the rod 3 is suchthat it, in turn, is slidably received in the secondary member 2, i. e.,the member 2 and the rod 3 are, at times, telescopic-ally engaged witheach other and are each, at times, telescopically engaged or receivedwithin the main member I. It is preferable that the length of thesecondary member 2 be somewhat greater than the length of the mainmember I, while the length of the rod 3 is greater than the length ofthe secondary member 2. Hence, when these constituent elements are intelescoped or collapsed positions, they will assume the relativityshownin Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.

If desired', the tubular main and secondary members I and 2 may be madeof hard brass tubing having their exterior surfaces plated or providedwith other suitable finish. The rod 3, preferably, is constructed ofstainless steel. Obviously, however, the materials from which thetubular main and secondary members I and 2 and the rod 3 are made, maybe varied or chianged, as conditions or preference may dicta e.

The tubular main member I is adapted to be supportingly engaged orreceived within the socket portion of the usually vertically positionedtubular or sleeve-like mounting bracket, generally indicated by thenumeral 5, the detailed construction and characteristics of which aredescribed and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 596,126,filed May 2B, 1945, now abandoned, and, to some extent, rather generallyhereinafter described.

The normally outer end portion of the tubular main member I is annularlyenlarged or expanded, as at 6, and its point of jointure with the bodyportion of said member provides an internal annular shoulder 'I.

The tubular secondary member 2 is longitudinally slidably receivedwithin the main member.

I and hasits normally outer end similarly annularly enlarged orexpanded, as at 8, providing an internal annular shoulder 9 at its pointof jointure with the body'of said member.

In order that yieldable frictional connection engaging and seating uponthe aforesaid washer Y II and having al plurality of relatively spaced,longitudinally disposed bowed or arcuately formed arms I2 integral withand extended therefrom whereby to eect their relative positioning withinthe annularly enlarged portion 6 in the manner shown in Figure 6 of thedrawings. The free or outer ends of the arms I2 terminate inwardly ofthe open outer end of the annular portion 6 of said m-ain member andreceive and support thereupon a second washer I3. A felt or fiber washerI4 is arranged within the outer open end portion of the enlarged annularportion 6, resting upon the adjacent side of the washer I3.

To maintain the element assembly designated by the numerals Ill, II, I3and I4 in desired relationship within the annularly enlarged portion 6of the main member I and to prevent longitudinal displacement thereofvia its normally outer end, the outer end of the annular enlargedportion 6 is inturned or anged, in a suitable manner, as indicated bythe numeral I5, whereby the extremity thereof will be arranged in closedrelationship to that portion ofthe sec# ondary member 2 passingtherethrough-as indi-V cated in Figure 5 `of the drawings.

The bowed or arcuate formations of the arms I2 of the spider spring I0are such that they will normally have positive frictional engagementwith adjacent portions of the outer surface of the secondary member 2,as it is received within the main member I and, at times, is slid,shifted or adjusted with relation thereto.`

The annularly enlarged outer end portion B of the tubular secondarymember 2 receives and supports therein, at its internal annular shoulder9, a washer I6. A spring member I'I of substantially U-shapedcross-sectional formation and having its extremities arcuately formed orbowed, as well shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, is received within theannularly enlarged portion 8 of the secondary member 2 and has positivespring frictional engagement with the outer surfaces of a particularlyadjacent portion of the rod 3. At this point, it may be noted that thewidth of cross-sectional area of the spring I'I is such that it has snugaccommodation or reception within said annularly enlarged portion 8. Asecond washer IB is engaged with the normally outer end of the springI'I within the annularly enlarged portion 8 and has a feltor fiberwasher I9 engaged with or bearing upon its outer side, said washers I8and I9 receiving the rod 3 therethrough, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 ofthe drawings and the latter washer having physical engagement or contactwith the rod, for a purpose which will be hereinafter described.

To maintain the assembly of elements I6, II,

I8 and I9, in proper close and relatively longitudinally immovablerelation within the annular-v ly enlarged portion 8 of the secondarymember 2, the outer or free end of the latter is inturnedor flanged inthe manner indicated by the numeral 20, permitting of sliding passage ofthe rod 34 and are correspondingly secured at certain of.

their ends to adjacent portions of the outer surface of said secondarymember 2, by spot-welding, riveting, etc., as indicated at 22. Thesediametrically opposed spring arms..2l, becauseof their arcuatecross-.Sectional forms, have snug or embracing engagement with adjacentportions of the secondary member 2 and, as will be `noted upon referenceto Figure 7, in particular, their inner ends or unsecured end portionsdiverge from adjacent portions of the secondary member 2, i. e., theyare, in eiect, relatively outwardly Iiared. Consequently, upon thisdivergent or flaring disposition of the free end portions of the springarms 2|, it will be noted that the same will have yieldable or springfrictional bearing engagement with adjacent portions of the innersurface of the main member in the fashion well shown in Figure 7 of theaccompanying drawings. Because of such engagement, eiectualanti-rattling means will be accorded to the inner end portion of thesecondary member 2 and particularly, to that portion of the same asshall be within the main member at those times when the constituentelements of my improved antenna mast are in collapsed, distended orpartially distended positions.

The hereinbefore described spring members I0, |1 and 2|, as will beunderstood, eifectually function to provide positive anti-rattling meansto the constituent elements of the antenna mast. It is, moreover, ofnote that said spring members will function to movably retain or securethe secondary member 2 and the rod 3 of the antenna mast construction inany of their various relatively adjusted positions; also, that they willserve to eiect and maintain constant and dependable electricalconnection and conductivity between the members I and 2 and the rod 3.

My improved antenna mast, following assembly of its hereinbeforedescribed constituent members, has a suitable quantity of grease orother lubricant injected or otherwise delivered into its telescopicallyinterengaged main and secondary members I and 2, respectively. Followingthe injection of this lubricant supply, the normally inner or lower endof the tubular main member I is effectually closed by a metal plug 23,or its equivalent, having a screw threaded outwardly opening pocket 24formed therein. The closure plug 23, of course, may be secured withinthe normally inner or lower end of the member I in various manners,though in the present embodiment, I choose to eiTect its securing bypeening or indenting an adjacent portion of said member I as indicatedat 25.

The grease or lubricant supplied to the interior of the tubular main andsecondary members I and 2 will be brought into contact with the felt 0rber washers I4 and i9, hereinbefore described. In consequence, saidwashers will become saturated and, because of their frictionalengagement or contact with the secondary member 2 and the rod 3,respectively, they will cause the surfaces of the same to have acovering film of protective grease or lubricant applied thinly anduniformly thereto and thereover, especially, at those times when thetubular secondary member 2 and/or the rod 3 is or are moved to theirrespective distended or partially distended positions. This thinfilm-like coating of grease or lubricant, obviously, will serve toprotect the exposed surfaces of the secondary member 2 and the rod 3from deterioration due to prolonged subjection to the elements orclimatic conditions.

The rod 3, slidably received Within the tubular secondary member 2, hasits inner end portion, i. e., that portion thereof engaged within saidmember 2, obliquely bent or offset in the fashion shown in the Figures2, '7 and 9 of the drawings. This obliquely offset portion of the rodwill have its free extremity bindingly or frictionally engaged with aportion of the inner side of the secondary member 2 and, accordingly,will be accorded means, in additionto the spring I1, whereby its secureanti-rattling though movable retention in any one of a number oflongitudinally adjusted positions with relation to said member .2, willbeassured. To prevent longitudinal displacement of the rod 3 Afrom itsreceiving tubular secondary member 2, I may and preferably do effect anenlargement or shoulder portion 26 therein, by swaging, stamping orother well known methods, preferably, at a point somewhat in proximityto its oblique and normally inner end portion. Moreover, itV will benoted that by reason of the forming of the enlargement or shoulder 23 inthe rod 3, the obliquing of the inner end portion of the rod 3 will befacilitated.

To secure the improved antenna mast within its mounting bracket 5,aforesaid, a coupling or connecting screw 21 is engaged through thelower portion of the bracket mounting liner or lining material 28 and isturned into engagement with the screw-threaded pocket 24 formed in theclosure plug 23.

Electrical conductivity between the improved antenna mast membersengaged and supported in the mounting bracket 5 and the radio apparatusto which it is provided, is effected by means of a suitable lead-inconductor, indicated in its entirety by the numeral 29. One end of thislead-in is electrically connected to the radio apparatus (not shown).Its remaining end portion is securely engaged in and through a nipple 30ixedly carried upon and extending from an appropriate and preferablylower portion of the bracket 5, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of thedrawings. The conductor per se, is passed into the bottom or lowerportion of the bracket antenna mast receiving socket Where it engages anapertured flat contact terminal 3| adjacent and engaging the lower endof the tubular main member I (see Figure 2). Positive mechanical andelectrical connection of the terminal 3| to said member I is effected bythe coupling screw 21 which passes through the aperture in the terminal3| and thence, into screw-threaded engagement with the downwardlyopening pocket 24 in the closure plug 23 of the main member I. Toreinforce and protect the connection of the lead-in 29, just described,a sheathing of woven wire fabric 29' is, preferably, engaged over thelatter throughout its length, and that portion thereof in proximity tothe nipple 3l), cappingly engages over the same and is secured theretoby soldering or other means. A. tubular guard sleeve 32 of rubber orlike material is engaged over the adjacent end portion ofthe lead-in 29and its sheathing 29 and over the exterior of the nipple 3U for`weather-prooing and similar purposes.

It is manifest that certain changes and/or modifications of thearrangements and constructions herein disclosed, are within the provinceof the teachings of the invention. I, therefore, do not intend that suchdisclosure shall or should be construed as limiting the ambit of myinvention to any extent, save that as is within the scope of and theinventive spirit expressed by the hereto appended claim.

I claim:

An antenna mast, including telescopically engaged tubular members, a rodtelescopically received in the innermost one of the tubular members, thenormally outer end portion of said innermost tubular member having achamber thereingand a member madeofspring sheetlike material ofsubstantially U-shaped cross-sectional formation received in saidchamber and retained therein against relative longitudinal movement, theopposite side edges of said mem- 5 ber having tensioned bearing onadjacent portions of the chamber walls, and the opposite sides of themember being outwardly transversely bowed throughout their respectivelengths and having tensioned bearing on adjacent and oppo- 10 siteportions of said rod.

RUSSELL J. SCOTT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the 15 fileof this patent:

Number Number Name -Date Kopanski Mar. 28, 1939 Mace Nov. 7, 1939 SnyderOct. 8, 1940 Ludwig Aug. '12, 1941 Aske Dec. 9, 1941 Mace Oct. 6, 1942Snyder Mar. 14, 1944 Wagenknecht Mar. 14, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS CountryDate Sweden Feb. 13, 1906

